Duke of Edinburgh

City of London Academy students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the world’s leading youth achievement award and, for many, a life-changing experience.

Nearly 100 CoLA students across three year groups were involved last year, with our 73 per cent completion rate (one of the highest in Southwark), and earning us an award for supporting young people.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a globally-recognised award which has been running since 1956. CoLAS students undertake an exciting, challenging programme of activities designed to help them reach their full potential, gain employable experiences and strengthen their CV.

Employers, colleges and universities value the Duke of Edinburgh Award knowing the strength of character an award-holder has. It is a 6-8-month (Bronze) or a 12 month (Silver) journey and demands commitment, hard work and dedication.

The course is split into four sections. These are:

Volunteering – Pupils must volunteer and give something back to the community, for example helping at a charity shop once a week.
Physical – Pupils must do some form of exercise for at least an hour, for example going to the school gym once a week after school.
Skills – Pupils must learn a new skill in their own time, for example cookery after school.
Expedition – Pupils must complete a two-day and one-night outdoor trip (Bronze) and a three-day and two-night outdoor trip (Silver) which the school will run in the summer.

We run the Duke of Edinburgh as a twilight course where students attend meetings outside of lesson time as part of their enrichment opportunities at CoLA-S.

Year 9 – Bronze Award
Year 10 – Silver Award
Year 12 – Silver Award